Illicium anisatum
Japanese star anise
A shrub, even a small tree, usually to 2m, but possibly to 6m in very mild areas. The narrowly oval leaves, to 5cm long and 2cm wide, are dark green. Young branches are green, spotted brown, and aromatic like the leaves. Flowers are pale greenish yellow with many, slightly twisting narrow petals, borne clustered in the leaf axils in spring
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
licium are evergreen shrubs or small trees with entire, leathery leaves. Both leaves and bark may be aromatic. The many-petalled flowers are borne in the leaf axils, usually singly, followed by star-shaped fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in bright light, but shaded from the hottest sun. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced fertiliser on a monthly basis
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Can also be propagated by layering in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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